William Godwin Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Godwin.

William Godwin (1756-1836) was an English philosopher, novelist, and political thinker, often referred to as one of the founding figures of philosophical anarchism. Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Godwin grew up in a dissenting religious family and received a strict education. He started his career as a dissenting minister but soon abandoned his religious beliefs and turned to political philosophy.

Godwin is best known for his work "An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice" (1793), a revolutionary treatise that challenged existing social and political systems. In this work, he argued against the legitimacy of governments and advocated for a society based on reason, justice, and equality. His ideas profoundly influenced the Romantic and radical thinkers of his time, including Percy Bysshe Shelley and his daughter, Mary Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein."

Besides his political philosophy, Godwin also wrote novels, including "Caleb Williams" (1794), which is considered one of the earliest detective novels. His writings often explored themes of personal responsibility, free will, and the consequences of society's actions on individuals.

Despite facing considerable criticism and public backlash, Godwin continued to publish his ideas and works throughout his life. His influence extended well beyond his own time, shaping the development of anarchist thought and continuing to inspire thinkers and activists concerned with political and social justice. William Godwin remains a prominent figure in the intellectual history of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.